Page 29 of Knot That Serious

“Yes. Yeah, took care of that already.” That had been the main reason for her visit, but she’d gotten sucked into a tour of the facilities once she’d begun asking questions about her heat.

Eli shoved the card in her pocket, pulled her jacket closer. “I appreciate your help.”

“Of course, dear.” They were back by the entrance, and Eli nodded her goodbye.

Outside the clinic, the air was fresh and the sun was bright and Eli sucked in a breath.

The Omega Center seemed the obvious, safest option.

And still, Eli hated it.

Behind her, the automatic doors opened again, and Eli moved out of the way.

The omega that stepped out behind her looked… tired was one word for it.

A duffle was slung across her body and dark circles were bruised under her eyes.

She offered a small smile to Eli and pulled out her phone. Eli spied a rideshare app, and cleared her throat.

“Did you just… uh, get done? With your heat?”

She lifted her gaze, grimaced. “That bad, huh?”

Eli’s heart banged against her chest. “I thought the Omega Center was, uh, supposed to help?” And no offense, but this omega looked like she needed a hot bath and two weeks’ vacation.

“They do, as much as they can. Is yours coming up?”

Eli nodded.

“The shortage fuck you over, too?”

Eli nodded again.

“You’d think they could keep up with the population demand. Fuckers.” The omega rolled her eyes, and a blue car pulled up, the rideshare logo in the corner of the back window. “That’s my ride, but… would you like some unsolicited advice?”

Eli nodded.

“I’ll get real with you. That—” She motioned behind her to the big building. “—really sucked. The Omega Center is fine, for omegas who have no other options. But it’s by no means pleasant. If you have another option, take it. Heats are awful if you don’t have anyone to help you through it.”

Unbidden, Beckett in his sharp suit, leaning over the counter and grinning at her, flashed through her mind.

“Th-thanks,” Eli mumbled.

“Good luck,” the omega called out, already walking to her car.

Thanks, Eli thought again.

She had a feeling she’d need it.

6. Convenient Misfortune

Jack

Jack saw Beckett coming long before the man arrived. How could he not, when the man was wearing a tan suit with a teal button up and matching tie?

He cut through the swarm of the lunch rush on the street and pushed into the bakery, the bell dinging overhead to announce his presence.

As if Jack hadn’t been eagerly glancing toward the street in between customers, anticipating his arrival the entire lunch hour.

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